Crested Barbet
Trachyphonus vaillantii
The Crested Barbet (Trachyphonus vaillantii) is a common african barbet found in 13 countries, weighing about 69 g. The crested barbet is a sub-Saharan bird in the Lybiidae family.
About the Crested Barbet
The crested barbet is a sub-Saharan bird in the Lybiidae family. Its specific name commemorates François Levaillant, a famed French naturalist.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
With its thick bill and very colourful plumage the crested barbet is unmistakable. This small bird has a speckled yellow and red face with a small black crest. The belly is yellow with red speckles, wings are black with white specks and it has a broad black band on its neck. Yellow head and body with black and white feathers, red markings on end of body, its colour blends well in the bush. They have a distinct trill.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Angola.
When to see it
The Crested Barbet can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Crested Barbet?
- With its thick bill and very colourful plumage the crested barbet is unmistakable. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Crested Barbet?
- The Crested Barbet is a medium sized bird weighing about 69 g.
- Where can you see a Crested Barbet?
- The Crested Barbet occurs in 13 countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini and Zambia.
- What birds look similar to a Crested Barbet?
- The Crested Barbet is most easily confused with the D'Arnaud's Barbet, the Red-and-yellow Barbet and the Yellow-breasted Barbet.
- Is the Crested Barbet endangered?
- The Crested Barbet is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Crested Barbet for real
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